YJ: Mission 12/Half Baked and Overcooked

Mission 12/ Half Baked and Overcooked

((Forewarning, this is Thanksgiving filler. But it does contain little insights to the main story, so please don’t just skip and don’t complain about the lack of action. I wrote this chapter because not everyone has a family to spend the holidays with and sometimes you spend it with someone unexpected))

            Cat skimmed the pages of a cookbook. Conner stopped as he passed by. Curious, he glanced at the cover. “‘How To Make a Thanksgiving Dinner’?”

“Yeah,” she lowered the book. “I thought about it last night and why should I miss out on a holiday just because I don’t have the picture perfect family to celebrate it with? Everyone else seems to have plans so it’ll just be me, you and Wolf. Well, Sphere too but she doesn’t eat.” She closed the book and tucked it under her arm. “I need to go to the store.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? There are assassins after you, you know.”

“It’ll be fine. It can’t be much harder than fighting Vixen.” she paused. “Um, Conner. There’s something I have to say. If I say it you have to wait till I’m finished before you yell at me or you won’t know whether or not you’re okay with it.”

“Okay, I guess.” he shrugged.

“Pinky swear?” She held out her pinky.

He sighed after a moment. “Fine.” -and promised.

“Okay.” She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “I noticed how much it bothers you and sometimes it makes you lose your temper but…” she took another deep breath. “You’re not Superman. You can’t be Superman. It’s impossible-”

“I-”

“You said you’d let me finish!” She snapped and he got quiet. “It’s okay to want to be like him but you can’t be him. You’re you and he’s him. What else? Oh yeah! I like Superman a lot. Clark Kent is great.” She smiled. “But I like Superboy more. I like Conner Kent more. So please, don’t be him. Be you.” She took a large step back. “I’m gonna teleport out of here but you unleash your Kryptonian wrath on me. Bye.” She vanished in that moment.

He blushed. “How am I supposed to be mad when you say that?”

-YJ-

“Why are we still doing this?” Artemis grumbled.

“I already explained that.” Black Canary said.

She sighed. “Yeah, I know.”

“So how do you feel about Cat knowing all of your secrets? I heard that you weren’t going to tell her.” Artemis was attentive to that.

She paused, her eyes full of thoughtfulness. “She’s great, you know? No matter what someone has done or how bad of a person they were she just smiles and says-”

[“It’s okay. Nobody’s perfect. I know I’m not.”]

“How can she… how can she see the darkness in someone and smile like it doesn’t exist? How could anybody?”

“It’s because she can do that that she smiles. That’s who she is.” Canary said after a moment. “She sees all parts of a person. The good and the bad. That’s why.”

Artemis looked down at her feet.

[“Artemis, look at this one.” Cat pointed out a pumpkin.

“That one? But it’s small and kind of funny shaped.”

“Hm?” She looked at it from a different angle.

“Cat, there are bigger pumpkins.”

“Yeah, but it’s special, don’t you think?” She smiled. “Hm, but I already have a pumpkin.” She frowned, trying to think.

“I’ll take it.”

“Really? But I thought-”

“You said it was special, right? If its special, we can’t just leave it.” she smiled and Cat’s face lit up.]

Artemis smiled and Canary did as well.

-YJ-

“Let’s see…” Cat walked into the hangar. “Sphere! Have you seen my jacket?” Sphere rolled back and forth while Wolf bounded around, barking happily. “I’m serious, Wolf. I can’t play with you right now. If I don’t get to the store soon, there won’t be any food for tomorrow.” She thought to herself for a moment. “Maybe I left it in the briefing room.”

“Looking for this?” Conner held up her jacket. He was leaning against his motorcycle, dressed to go outside.

“Oh, thanks.” She smiled and took it from him. She put it on. “So, where’re you going?”

“With you.” She gave him a stunned look. “Is that a problem?”

“No…no-no! I didn’t say that. I was just surprised is all.” She glanced at his motorcycle and then at the one next to it. It was black with neon purple markings, obviously hers. “You know, I don’t even know how to ride this thing.” She walked around it.

“That’s okay.” He handed her a helmet. “We’ll take mine.” They both smiled. After they situated themselves on the bike, Conner started it. “Hold on.” She wrapped her arms around him. The doors opened and they took off.

-YJ-

“I mean, sure it’d be nice if we could hang out more often but I’m constantly busy between the team and the Dynamic Duo thing- not to mention my own school work.” Dick sat back in his chair. “Besides, it’s kind of fun to view this stuff from a distance. You catch things people don’t usually see.”

“Uh huh.” Canary smirked. “Are you sure it isn’t because of lessons with a certain ice princess we know of?” He jumped at that.

“Batman told you about that?”

“No. Roy mentioned her getting dance lessons at Wayne Mansion but you just told me.”

“Ugh, I walked right into that.” He shifted in his chair. “Kana’s great. She graceful, pretty and she knows her way around a utility belt. I mean, I haven’t had a serious conversation about tech with anyone other than Wally. She knows a few things even I don’t know.”

“So you like her?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Have you considered asking her out?”

“Wha-? We’re friends! Just friends.”

“Just friends?” she raised an eyebrow.

“Really.”

-YJ-

“Hmm, should I make just turkey? Or ham too?” Cat eyed the pages of her book.

“Does it matter?” Conner asked as he leaned on the shopping cart. They were in the meat section of the grocery store.

“Yes, it does.”

“Is it really that tough of a choice?”

“Yes!” She shut the book and tapped him with it. “I’m making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and ham is marked ‘optional.’”

“Okay then, let’s put it this way. Who likes ham?”

“Wolf does.”

“He likes all kinds of meat.”

“But I do too.”

“Me too.”

“I guess I have my answer then.” She chuckled and looked at the different kinds of meat. Out of the corner of her eye, she could spy a pregnant woman. She was attempting to reach for a package on a higher rack. Cat migrated over to her before Conner realized why. She grabbed the package of meat and handed it to her. “Here you go.” She smiled.

“Thank you.”

“Pardon my asking but how far along are you?”

“Cat-”

“It’s okay. I’m at the end of my eighth month.”

“Wow.” Cat looked at the woman’s stomach with innocent curiosity. “Is it a boy or a girl?”

“Twins, a boy and a girl.”

“Cool.” She glanced at Conner. “Isn’t that amazing? If you think about it, everyone- no matter who they are; hero, villain or civilian we all started out the exact same way. Even Batman. It makes me wonder how everyone ended up so different when we all were born the same way.” She shook her head. “Oh! We were supposed to be buying ingredients. I almost forgot! Sorry, Conner.”

“It’s fine, Cat.”

“I think the vegetables are that way.” Cat started walking off as Conner pushed the cart behind her.

“Conner and Cat, huh?”

“Uh, Cat.” Conner whispered. “You know I was cloned so…”

“Well, yeah. And I’m not human but if you think about everyone else we know, I think we’re the lucky ones.”

“How come?”

“We’re old enough to decide what we want and no one can decide it for us. Not everyone gets that choice.”

-YJ-

“She does not seem to understand the concept of limitations.” Kaldur said. “There’s no ‘can’t’ or ‘impossible.’ She just does it. She doesn’t question commands and she’s never disobeyed an order. If something is even remotely possible, even if it’s in the smallest way, she’ll do it without hesitation. On a normal day, she’s sweet and optimistic but as soon as a fight breaks out she becomes serious and…”

“Hostile?” Canary asked.

“Not quite, more like driven. For someone so worried about death, she’s the first to jump into battle.”

“She’s has always been like that.” Canary said. “And have you ever given any thought to why that is?”

“I have given it some thought. With what she said on Halloween about Vixen, I thought about the possibility of it concerning some kind of reaction training from her past but she has never reacted that way unless it was necessary. I didn’t notice it at first but the way she fights is like that of an experienced soldier.”

“So you noticed it as well. Aquaman said you would.”

“She’s a valued member of our team but even with her amnesia there are some things that can’t be overlooked. I realize it may not be my concern but-”

“They still bother you. That’s understandable, the League had similar feelings. You have to understand that there are some people who have pasts they’d do anything to change. Cat may never know about her own past but in a way, she can be considered lucky. She escaped her dimension with no memory of it at all. It’s as if she was left in our world with her mind wiped clean. She’s lost her past and perhaps that was the best thing for her. She has friends and a new life and if she ever wanted to know about her past, the League wouldn’t hesitate to search for leads. She’s been told this. She has chosen to move forward and I can see she is perfectly happy here, with you guys. She has a chance that not many get. Yes, her past may be something to worry about but instead of worrying about what she might’ve done then, she worries about what she’ll do now.” She shifted in her chair. “She is very protective of you guys. Like a lioness protecting her pride, or so Wisteria says. But it’s not just the League, it’s everyone. Villain or hero, even if she doesn’t like them, she’ll give it her all.”

“But she won’t let anyone protect her. I realize that now but- for a time, I once believed that she might be a spy.”

“Really now?” Canary asked curiously.

“With what happened with Red Arrow, I’ve been somewhat over cautious. It started from when we met up until the mission with the Green Lantern, Guy Gardner. I had my suspicions because of her missing past but I gave her my trust anyways, hoping I was wrong. Now I’m certain that she is no spy.”

“I understand why you would think that. No past to speak of, connections to the League that even the team doesn’t have, not to mention her contact telepathy. She’d make the perfect spy and that’s enough to make anyone cautious but you were missing information the League already have. There are some things that I believe you should’ve been filled in on from the beginning. It would’ve prevented a few of the issues that arose.”

“Actually, I believe it was better that Batman didn’t tell us. We may have had a few problems but we worked through them as a team.” He noticed Black Canary clapping.

“I’m proud of you, Kaldur’ahm. You’ve all grown.” She smiled.

-YJ-

Cat organized the groceries on the counter while humming to herself. Wally zoomed into the kitchen, picked up an apple and twirled it on his finger. “Hey, Kitty-Cathy~ what’s with all the food?” He took a bite with a loud crunch.

“Thanksgiving, of course.” She smiled. “Why should Conner and I miss out? We can celebrate together.” She turned a page in her book. Wolf barked and wagged his tail. “With Wolf and Sphere too, of course.” She pet his head. “It can’t be that hard.”

“I don’t know. My mom says the turkey is the hardest part.” She flinched and frowned. “But I’m sure you’ll be fine. After all, you’ve got luck on your side.”

She smiled. “I should go ask Conner what kind of gravy he wants.”

“Does it matter?” Dick asked.

“That’s the same thing Conner said about the ham.” she frowned.

“It totally matters.” Wally agreed. “That’s like eating ice cream and saying it doesn’t matter what flavor it is.”

“How can you compare gravy to ice cream?” Artemis asked.

“Same basic principle.”

“Thank you. That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Cat nodded as she scanned a page in her book. “I’ll go ask him.” She set the book down and vanished. She appeared in the doorway of the briefing room. She backed up behind the wall when she spotted Conner and Superman.

“-I know it’s cutting it kind of close but my wife and I had a serious discussion and she- we believe it’s a good idea for you to spend Thanksgiving with us. Batman already said it was okay.” Superman looked nervous while Conner looked quite stunned.

“You’re… serious?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t joke about something like this.”

Conner thought about it for a moment. Cat recognized the look on his face. “I can’t-”

“Of course you can!” Cat revealed her presence in the doorway.

“Catherine.” Superman said, slightly surprised. “I didn’t even notice you there.”

“You have to go, Conner.”

“What about-”

“This is definitely way more important! No, you go. I’ll be totally fine.” She smiled.

“I’m guessing that’s a yes?” Superman raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Yeah.” he smiled at Superman.

-YJ-

“I love having Cat around. She’s fun and a good friend- and a good teammate. She gets a little confused sometimes but it’s never anything bad and it’s kind of cute.”

“M’gann. I understand that you’re trying to make it seem like Cat is fitting in perfectly because this is an evaluation but you can relax. We’re not removing her from the team. This is more about answering any questions you might have or to talk about anything that’s troubling you.”

M’gann chuckled nervously. “Hello, M’gann! I knew that.” She sighed, somewhat relieved.

“Why were you so worried to begin with?”

“Well, sometimes… and please don’t say anything but she’s completely incoherent. It’s like her mind is completely gone and it worries me. I‘ve only ever been ever to hear her thoughts when we establish a telepathic link.”

“Really?” It peaked her interest.

“Well… actually, it’s not exactly true. During our last fight with Psimon, he knocked everyone out but I managed to stay connected through Cat’s mind.”

“I didn’t know that was possible.”

“It isn’t- well, not normally. I think it was because of her contact telepathy. It’s like when she touches someone, she gains more than their memories. Its’ like she gains a piece of them or something like that. It was like an embodiment of that person in her mind and it was like a beacon. When I was in her mind… it was so empty. There was the essences of other people who she had come in contact with but… even though I was in her mind, she wasn’t there. It was like her mind was pulling together the memories of everyone else to fill in the empty spaces.”

“I see. That is unusual.”

“And… there’s one more thing. After I forced Psimon out of her mind, I saw a forest.”

“A forest?”

“Yes, the trees were all white and they didn’t have any trees. I saw something moving but she pushed me out of her mind before I could get any closer.”

“M’gann, you may have gotten too close.”

“Too close?”

“With the way you described it, it sounds like her mind is divided. That forest you saw may be the physical manifestation of her mind. It could be where all her past memories are and she’s using these embodiments that she’s pieced together from the memories of others as protection. It would explain why she’s so resistant to telepathy. You’d have to sort through the tangles mess of memories she’s collected before you could reach her mind. Her past memories may be something that she doesn’t want to remember so they’re quite sensitive and that may be why she pushed you from her mind.”

“Oh.” She paused thoughtfully. “Hello, M’gann! That’s it!”

-YJ-

Roy heard a knock at the door as he set the large bowl he was holding down on the counter. “I’ll get it.” He opened the door to see Kyte, dressed in a casual coat and heels. “Uh, hi.”

“Hi, I was wondering if you were busy.”

“Well…”

“Roy, what’s the difference between beef gravy and turkey gravy?” Kana walked towards him. “Oh. Hello, Miss Kyte.”

“Hello.”

“They taste different.” Roy told her.

“That doesn’t help at all. Which one should I make?”

“Turkey.”

“Okay.” She smiled and bounced off.

“So, did you need something?” Roy turned back to her.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go out but it seems like you’re busy.”

“Busy? It’s Thanksgiving.”

“Oh. I guess I forgot. Thanksgiving isn’t something my family really celebrates.” She laughed. “I should go.”

“Hey.” He moved out of the doorway and let the door swing open. “Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“Really?”

“You coming in or what?” She smiled and walked in. He smiled as well and shut the door behind her.

“She’s staying?” Kana asked.

“She’ll be spending Thanksgiving with us.” He walked into the kitchen.

“Sweet. I’ll set another plate at the table.” She turned. “Aah! I didn’t set the timer!”

-YJ-

“Where is he?” Superman asked somewhat impatiently. He was waiting in front of the zeta tube.

“Here. I was finishing up with Black Canary.” Conner entered the room, followed by Black Canary.

“I thought you’d be at home by now.” Superman said to her.

“I still had two evaluations to finish that I didn’t get to, yesterday. All that’s left is Cat now. Conner, remember what we talked about. You have some thinking to do.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Wait!” Cat teleported into the room. “Good, I caught you guys.” She hugged Superman and then Conner. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Canary asked.

“No… let’s see. I said goodbye, the turkey is in the oven as well as the ham…” She thought aloud. “What am I missing?”

Canary sighed. “I was talking to Conner.”

“No-not that I can think of.” he looked away and Cat gave him a confused look. He caught it. “I’ll tell you when I get back.” he sounded annoyed but Canary and Superman could tell he was slightly embarrassed.

“Oh okay.” her smile returned. “Have fun.”

“Yeah, I will.”

The scanner rang. ‘Recognized, Superman.0.1. Superboy. B.0.6.’ And they were gone.

“Come on.” Black Canary placed her hand on Cat’s shoulder. “Let’s get this over with. I know how much you hate it so I’ll try to make it as quick as possible.”

She looked sad. “Okay.”

-YJ-

            Kana removed the biscuits from the oven. She placed the tray on the counter and removed her oven mitts. “Biscuits are done.” She said in an accomplished tones.

“They look great. Good job.” Roy eyed them observantly and then smiled at her.

“Thank you.” She beamed proudly.

“I wouldn’t mind trying one now.” Kyte joked.

“No! The turkey’s not done yet!” Kana whined.

“Holiday Nazi.” Roy said, it was meant as an explanation and a joke.

“I see.” Kyte chuckled and Kana blushed.

“Whatever. I’ve been busting my butt.”

“Trying not to light the kitchen on fire.” his comeback.

She frowned. “Meanie.” She grabbed her phone. “I think I’ll call Grayson and wish him a Happy Thanksgiving.” She set off down the hall.

“She certainly keeps things interesting.” Kyte said.

“You have no idea.”

“You’d be surprised.”

“Why? You have siblings?” He handed her a glass of cider.

“The only one I ever see is my sister.”

“Since you’re here I assume you’re not on speaking terms.”

“Why do you assume that?”

“Even if you’re fighting or if you don’t get along, Thanksgiving is a day to be with your family. It would take more than some petty argument if you’re not spending the holidays with your family.”

“You’re pretty smart.” she sighed. “It’s not that we’re not talking, we just have nothing to say to each other is all. We’re very distant but so is the rest of our family so I don’t celebrate holidays.” She stated. He was staring at her, lost in thought. “Aw, I know that look. Stop feeling sorry for me or I’ll steal a biscuit and say it was you.” She joked.

“I was just thinking.” He spoke finally. “You don’t always have to spend the holidays by yourself.”

“I’ve heard that before and look at me now.”

“You’re here with me.”

“Yes? And how long will this last? You’re not the first-”

“I’m not like other people.”

“Hm? How so?” She sounded interested now. She leaned back against the cabinet.

“I’m loyal.” He leaned closer.

“Mhmm. I’m listening.” She smirked.

“Polite, intelligent, courageous, strong.”

“You forgot handsome.”

“Gorgeous. Oh wait, that’s you.” He smiled deviously.

“Oo~ a compliment.”

“I figured one compliment deserved another.”

“Good sir, you are invading my personal space.”

 He chuckled. “Would you shut up and let me kiss you?”

-YJ-

The phone rang through the hall of the mansion Alfred swiftly answered it on the second ring. “Hello, Wayne Residence.”

[“Hi, Alfred; it’s Kana. Happy Thanksgiving.”]

“A Happy Thanksgiving to you too, young miss.” He smiled to himself.

[“Is Grayson busy?”]

“I’m sure he’s just talking to Miss Gordon. I will fetch him for you.”

[“Thanks, Alfred.” She heard him put the phone down. ‘Who’s Miss Gordon?’ She thought.]

After a few moments, she heard Dick’s voice. “Hey Kana, what’s up?”

[“Happy Thanksgiving!”]

He chuckled. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I should’ve guessed that’s why you called.”

[“You should’ve. So what’s my favorite boy wonder doing? I’m still waiting on the turkey to finish.”]

“Not much. Gotham’s ‘white knight’ invited the commissioner and his family over for Thanksgiving.”

[“So when Alfred said you were talking to Miss Gordon, he meant Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, Barbara.”]

“Nice deduction.”

[“I’ve done my research. I had to to keep up with Roy.”]

“Consider me impressed. Barbara’s been a good friend since Bruce took me in.”

[“It’s great to have someone you can depend on, especially at times like that.”]

“True.”

“Who’s that, Dick?”

Barbara walked into the hall.

“Barbara. It’s just a friend.”

“A friend, huh?” A devious smile spread across her face, he knew that smile.

“Uh-! No! Barbara-!” She lunged at him, attempting to snatch the phone.

“I bet it’s that figure skater. What’s her name? Karen? Kristy?”

“It’s Kana!” He struggled to keep the phone away from her.

“Ah-ha! It is her, isn’t it?”

“No!” She suddenly knocked the phone from his hand and the battery flew out as it hit the ground.

“Oops.”

“Nice going, Babs.”

-Other side of the call- 

“Hello? Grayson?” She looked at her phone, confused. The call had disconnected. “I hope he’s okay.”

-YJ-

 “It’s finished.” Cat carried two large plates filled with food into the briefing room. Wolf barked happily and wagged his tail as she placed a plate in front of him. She plopped down on the floor. “Now be honest if you don’t like it.” She leaned back against Sphere. “It’s too bad no one else is here to taste it. Sphere chirped and Wolf licked his lips as he looked at her. She took another bite. “At least they’re having fun, right?” She twitched and stood up. Wolf’s ears twitched as well as he stared towards the hall. “Someone just opened the hangar doors.” Wolf barked. “I know, who could it be?” Sphere chirped again. “Let’s go check it out.” She teleported in front of the bio-ship and quickly ducked behind it.

“Did we have to take the jet?” A familiar male voice groaned.

“Yes, we did. It was better the taking the zeta tubes.” A familiar female one too. She knew these voices all too well. She rushed out from behind the bio-ship wearing a huge grin.

-YJ-

“Honey!” Clark opened the door to the old house. “Lois?”

“In the kitchen, Clark!” She called back.

    He smiled and placed his hat on the hook and his coat on the rack. Conner nervously stepped in and did the same. Clark was already walking but he paused when he noticed Conner still standing in the doorway. “Come on.” Conner smiled and followed him into the kitchen. Lois stood in front of the stove. She instantly spotted them as they walked through the door. Conner saw an old couple as well, Ma and Pa Kent.

“Clark.” Lois kissed him on the cheek. 

“My boy.” His mother hugged him and then his father did.

“You’re bigger every time I look at you.” He said. 

“It’s great to see you guys.” He paused when he noticed Lois’s attention shift to Conner.

“You must be him.” She stepped closer, eyeing him thoughtfully. It was obviously making him feel awkward. “He does look a lot like you.”

“Clark was much skinnier at that age.”

“Ma.” Clark said.

“I’m Lois. This is Ma and Pa Kent. What’s your name?”

“Conner.”

“Well, Conner, we’re glad to have you.” Ma said as she hugged him.

“Where’s Kara?” Clark asked.

“Late as usual.” Lois stated. “She was supposed to help us.”

“Come on, Clark, Conner. Let’s get out of their way.”

“Do they want me to help?”

“Oh no, ma boy. During the holidays, the kitchen is a dangerous place. Not even Superman there would venture that battlefield.”

“No thank you.” Clark shook his head.

-YJ-

Kaldur knocked on the door of the apartment. There was a sudden shift behind it and it opened. Still locked by the two chains. Ember peeked out from the crack. Her hair was ablaze. “You have two seconds before I incinerate you, what are you doing here and how did you find me?”

“That day we met in the street. You did not think I would recognize you? Even if though you appeared normal, I could still tell-”

“Times up, Atlantian-”

“Emily, please.” She paused. “How… you got it out of Neon, didn’t you?”

“No. I intentionally sought you out.”

“Why?!” She growled. The temperature in the area was rising but Kaldur still stood calmly.

“Because. You looked lonely.” She seemed a little stunned. “I would never have done anything this bold in the past but… I felt like I needed to find you.”

“That’s stupid.” She paused and shut the door. He sighed and turned to go. He paused when the door swung open to reveal a cooled down Ember- Emily. Her fiery hair was actually pixie short and brown and her eyes were no longer gold, one was green and the other brown. She was wearing a grey sweater a few sizes too large and some capri pajama pants. “Do… you want to come in? I didn’t make a turkey but there’s Chinese food and I’ve got the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special on.”

He smiled. “I would be honored.” 

/End.